China-bound Osman Sow '˜can play' in Edinburgh derby
Osman Sow could be set for one final appearance in a maroon shirt when Hearts take on Hibernian in Sunday's William Hill Scottish Cup fifth round.
The striker is the subject of a £1 million-plus move to Chinese side Henan Jianye, the details of which broke on transfer deadline day. The deal has yet to be completed, however the Chinese Super League transfer window does not close until February 26, so there’s plenty of time for the switch to go through.
The player is currently in China and is expected to undergo a medical either today or tomorrow, according to Hearts’ director of football Craig Levein.
Even if the deal goes through prior to the Edinburgh derby, Hearts are insisting he’ll still be available for selection in accordance with the stipulations in his impending transfer.
Levein responded to a query from a fan on Twitter by stating that allowing Sow to play in Sunday’s match, arguably the biggest game of the club’s season to date, was “part of [Sow’s transfer] deal”.
Levein said: “Osman medical today/tomorrow, will know tomorrow if deal going through, Can play Sunday if needed. Part of deal.”
The sale of Sow represents a terrific piece of business for Hearts, especially since the striker’s current deal expires in the summer and other clubs are currently able to negotiate a pre-contract with the Swede.
Meanwhile, John Souttar is free to play in Sunday’s match. Hearts initially thought the new signing, signed for around £150,000 from Dundee United, was cup-tied having been an unused substitute for United earlier in the tournament.
They have since sought clarification from the SFA who have assured the club he is eligible to make his debut against Hibs.
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